Lurker > wpot

I thought the Dark Knight did him about as well as possible: focusing 90% on Harvey Dent and 10% on the silly comic villain. The downfall from his white knight status was compelling, although of course it can't be terribly realistic falling from brave/stable/good lawyer all of the way to a scarred-face murderer due to one event no matter how bad said event was. They had little choice given the source material, though.

Being normal sucks, particularly in 2023.

History cycles for a reason. Selfishness and tribalism can't be tamped down until the idiots clearly see how badly it hurts everyone (including themselves). WW2 taught the world (at least the West) a hard lesson that lasted until those that actively experienced it died off. The world is going to have to learn another hard lesson if it wants to get back to where it was.

Insurrection? Maybe/probably...but that's not the worst of our worries in the long run.

wpot
damn u r hardcore! lol how did u enjoy this last ski season (i dunno where u at, but around me ppl ducking loved it)

Well, not that hardcore. I dont go much anymore, in part because of the toe issue. I didnt make it out this year.

I thought about going last year specifically to get a nail off so I could spray the athletes foot fungus creeping under one.

My big toe nail falls off more or less every time I ski. I must lean back too far or something.

My main complaint about all of this is that the stupid document and other lawsuits came up first, fired up Trump's base, made him a shoo-in for the nomination, and now the REAL legal issue - trying to blatantly steal votes and cheat his way to the Presidency - feels like minor news.

Yes, yes, Trump was wrong about the documents and frankly everything else he's charged with. But the realpolitik of the situation is that anyone wanting to beat him (which should be the country given the treason) should focus on the big issue: namely that if he is allowed to compete again and wins...it's not unrealistic to say democracy might end. Documents (or hookers, or anything else ugly he's done) aren't going to take him down. Either we are a country that is OK discarding democracy or we aren't (I really hope the latter) - anyone at all on the fence about voting for him needs that choice shoved in their face.

The media/Democrats/everyone needs to focus on the Georgia/Jan 6th issues and stop yelling about the other distractions. And it's FINALLY here!

adjl posted...

I get the vibe that he's just throwing a temper tantrum and being as obnoxious as possible while the company slowly dies. He didn't actually want to buy it in the first place, as evidenced by the fact that he's now trying to sue the lawyers that Twitter hired to force him to honour his commitment to purchasing it, and now that he's made a few bald-faced cash grabs in the form of blue checks and paywalling regular use, he may have decided that he's gotten all the value out of the company he can expect to get and is letting it die in a series of bad business decisions that can maybe be called "legitimate mistakes" so shareholders can't sue him.

He clearly enjoys annoying/terrorizing his staff and shareholders, so doing dumb things might simply be fun for him...yes. But I can't think someone with an ego that big would want to so visibly crash a major company, and he seems hellbent on putting his stamp on it to please whichever "free speechers" he thinks he's pleasing. Blowing up the company in entirety wouldn't seem to meet that goal.

sveksii posted...

Hanlon's razor/Occam's razor. Don't over-complicate things when the answer is simple. Musk is a narcissistic idiot.

That IS a strong argument. :)

Remember when shame used to be a thing?

As in, "I did something stupid when I was drunk and threw a drink at a singer...I'm ashamed". Now people sue because their victim retaliates in a (relatively) understandable way.

I can't quite decide. On the one hand it's obvious that he just does whatever he wants without asking anyone in marketing or elsewhere for advice: his ego is huge.

On the other hand it's SO obviously dumb that you have to wonder if he's tanking the company for some reason that isn't clear to us. Obviously he's wanting to make a bunch of MAGA friends, but that's pretty low hanging fruit: you just need to hate a few of the right things. I don't see any need to burn a huge company for them.

Isn't that pretty obviously WHY they were congratulating him?

"You did something particularly obnoxious in a liberal city? ...good job."

And then...FF7. It was a weird time. :)

DrPrimemaster posted...

Ive read some people that think they should have used cgi instead of real bombs/explosives. What do you think?

Yeah, I don't get it: so long as they aren't triggering nuclear explosions - and they weren't - I don't see an issue.

People always have the same impulses to be selfish, overlook cruelty, etc. The difference between eras is, in large part, related to how strong societal goals/morals/expectations are. The further we slide from the "hurray for the US and greater West" WW2 era (and, yes, the further we slide from religion) the weaker and weaker our societal framework is becoming.

WW2 norms/religion were far perfect, of course: MAGA folks keep trying to bring back some of the worst prejudices/etc from that era. But the reason liberals continue to struggle vs MAGA is that liberals can't present a good alternative. If we can't be proud to be American citizens and we don't share many religious or cultural beliefs...what exactly DO we share? Why are we in a country together? What ARE we proud of? "Tolerance of differences" can, of course, only go so far as a unifying factor.

I'm certainly not saying MAGA is right (and I vote Democratic 100% of the time now) but it's necessary to have a strong answer to that question if we want to save the country from selfishness.

As pure entertainment it was good not great: it was long and there wasn't really one theme/narrative for your mind to stay focused on (or root for) all of the way through. They had to stretch by juxtaposing hearings that occurred years apart at the end to put some sort of bow on it.

As 'history brought to life' it was fantastic, though: it appeared quite accurate and addressed the interesting questions in fair ways.

SinisterSlay posted...

Yeah but I think it started 60 years ago at least.

Togetherness peaked around WW2. Since then the things that used to pull people together (national/civic pride, religion, post-Depression inter-reliance, etc) have been fading quickly.

Definitely not just young people.

I guess I like $50s these days. They're useful like $20s used to be and still somewhat novel.

As for coins, anything smaller than a quarter can go to hell. I leave them in little stacks around vending machines when I get them - maybe it makes some kid happy. If I find pennies in my pocket at home I'll throw them away - the US has got to stop wasting copper on those.

A human fly climbing with suction cups.

Oblivion_Hero posted...

Ugh, I generally dislike agreeing with rev, but my take on it is especially with Musk getting rid of things like proper account verification, fact checking, and increasing right wing and authoritarian voices compared to other outlets, hes enhanced twitters ability to propagate misinformation and rally certain elements. Its collapse would cut off one more major, well known, avenue for all of that to be disseminated.

The problem with getting rid of problematic things is that it's more likely that they'll be replaced with even worse things in our current environment. Few of our systems are working well to stop bad actors. Does anyone think a more moderate and balanced Twitter option will arise from the ashes if he blows (OK, OK, "when he finishes blowing") it up?

Get rid of a friendly name-appropriate established logo in favor of a generic marketing "X"?

No idea how that could be a bad decision.

Every day since March 2020.

It's mostly great, although the longer it goes the more disconnected I feel (contributing to my existential crisis, most likely). :) It doesn't help that I have a one-man-band sort of position and there's rarely any specific reason to contact anyone.

I'd like it if we were all in the office one day per week so we know who we work with/etc.

ParanoidObsessive posted...

This isn't true. Some people should definitely be told not to live the way they're living.

For starters, that's what prison is for.

Of course I had a context for that statement: you can't (as a society) tell people how to live their life...so long as they're following the law. A relative could rightfully advise/push someone to live better than they are, but societally we can't tell people - for example - not to use legal drugs or follow a certain religion or not be gay...as much as some might like to.

adjl posted...

So... You'll be less depressed if you join a cult. Not necessarily wrong, but also not necessarily a solution.

If I had a solution I wouldn't be whining on a message board. But yes: I was trying to explain why some people struggle with emptiness more than others: societal/personal goals (even if we would describe those goals as 'wrong' i.e. a cult) make a huge difference to personal happiness. That explanation isn't a recommendation. :)

adjl posted...

Wait one of the symptoms of depression is anxiety?

It can be, but like every mental disorder you don't need to tick all of the potential diagnostic boxes to be diagnosed with it.

Yes, this: I have people close to me who are simply anxious...and others who are both...and others (me) who have a low level existential crisis going on at most times. Mental/moods issues come in many flavors and they can mix.

I'm just some guy on the internet, but I can say that my wife had significant anxiety for a time. She would start worrying about things that were clearly illogical and be unable to get them out of her mind. She has since gotten treatment for it (tiny daily pill) and the anxiety has gone away remarkably well with no side effects that we've seen over 15ish years. If she loses/stops taking the pills the anxiety comes back, so they are clearly working. I would recommend that treatment to anyone struggling with anxiety (if recommended by a therapist, of course). So:
adjl posted...

An actual diagnosis and treatment will likely improve your situation a lot.

...this.

Long story short in the context of what I wrote, the only solution I am aware of for existential crises is to get involved in activities and (hopefully) develop goals in the process. (Although like I said, that's easier said than done) Having anxiety on top make it that much harder to try things to address emptiness, and anxiety can be treated quite successfully.

Ferarri619 posted...

Wow sounds exactly what I've been going through. Lately I see no point in life whatsoever and don't even desire a relationship or anything else for that matter.

Yes, it's a constant battle. I do OK when I force myself into getting involved with vacations/activities/etc...even though I would truly rather not be doing most of them if I'm being honest. I also do OK when I have a fun 'gaming project' going on. If none of the above is happening, though...my mind drifts to pointlessness and my mood suffers. It's not really depression (I've asked - it's more of a 'dysphoria/dysthymia') and there's no anxiety to it, but it sucks.

I assume more people are having this problem these days given the changes to American society:

• Lack of true societal pride/expectations (problematic, but provided a purpose)
• Lack of religion (same thing: problematic, but provided a purpose)
• Lack of family/gender roles (even more problematic than the above, but - again - they did provide some direction to life)

It's correct that no-one should be able to tell others how to live, however, if there are no agreed upon pathways or goals to work towards as a society...we're unfortunately blundering around for no reason.

Trumpians are currently happier and more energetic than others (I've seen studies in the NY Times) because their clique has a (sad) purpose: owning the libs and opposing any changes to the traditional life purposes listed above. They are morally wrong to do this in the way they do, but this is the core reason why they have been rising and "Make America Great Again" works as their slogan: it comes with a purpose to life.

There's little energy in defending norms for liberals (and probably especially for moderates) and they are largely left to watch the decline of society. There is some energy in "let people do as they will and celebrate them for it", but the celebration of disunity can only unify people to a certain point. :)

So there you go: here's hoping you enjoyed that encouraging (and unexpectedly political) pick-me-up. I'd be happy for someone to convince you (and me) I'm wrong. :)

Ferarri619 posted...

What kind of things happen during midlife crisis? Just curious

Its usually some version of an existential crisis. Some people are sad they havent accomplished anything. Others start to wonder what the point of accomplishing anything is whether they have or not.

In either case you realize you need some goals to get out of the funk. If you have a strong purpose (hedonism? advocacy? Religion?) maybe youll be able to think of something good. If notyou buy a skateboard or sports car or something and try to develop a new hobby.

Ive done American dream sorts of stuff with the job/house/kids/dog/security. But whats the point, really? Said dream made more sense with the more admirable US of the past (and moderate religion). Hmm

I don't like the idea of substitutes. Something that's trying to imitate something else is going to be equal at best and awful at worst. There are vegetarian meals that are good because they are good on their own: just eat those. And probably better for you than whatever they're doing to plants to make them meat-like. And way cheaper.

My version is picking up mountain biking in my 40s. I'll do it until I crack a collarbone or kneecap or something.

Picking one is hard - they're good at different times.

That said, Surly's Axe Man almost never disappoints.

Probably the graphics driver.

The point of a track would be to provide stability over uneven ground, but it requires lots of power. The point of a wheel is to provide smooth mechanical efficiency at the cost of some stability.

This achieves the worst of both.

I have never asked anyone on a date, nor agreed to go on a date, but I'm married. We were friends in a friend group who just starting hanging out together after a while (etc :) ) and that's been my sole romantic experience.

...I'm not sure if that's a 'yes' or 'no'. Probably a N/A.

Triangle Strategy

Zareth posted...

Whats the difference between dropping cluster bombs and dropping a lot of normal bombs at the same time

Many of the bombs in the cluster often don't explode and effectively become land mines in perpetuity. They cause civilian casualties after wars...40% children if the stat I saw the other day in the NY Times is correct. They're effective during wars: it's the long-term risk.

If Ukraine wants to use them on their own territory and can debatably claim to be preventing deaths now...I would probably give them to them. But I wouldn't feel good about it.

Homer? No, I don't think I would tolerate that well.

Xenogears, maybe? ...although it primarily shows up in the unfinished second disc where you're trying to help greatly suffering mutants while almost feeling bad about being healthy.

AltOmega2 posted...

Beaches yes, lakes not really
Lakes are just okay if you happen to fall off a boat or go tubing or something but I kinda hate the idea of swimming around with huge dead trees and shit.

I'd go the exact opposite. Lakes with natural weeds and stuff? Sounds good. Beaches that kids are possibly crapping in/etc? I can do it, but...given the choice I'll go with the weeds.

adjl posted...

Lakes are alright, but I prefer the ocean.

In Canada either way I guess...but I'm going in the sauna first. :)

Safe? In MN, yes.

Relaxing, yes. The clouds are at a nice angle with a good cover on the sun. It could maybe use something on the right side, but nice picture.

How about this one (from yesterday)?https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/9/0/AAB0JBAAEodS.jpg

The lily pads are kind of messy (and it's just from a mediocre iphone) but I like the cloud. It kind of reminds me of an imperial star cruiser...in pleasant sunset cloud form.

For a long time it was overcompensation for the Holocaust. However, I don't get the sense that the general US public has any idea how Israel formed and most have only a rudimentary understanding of the Holocaust.

I think those who most actively support Israel these days do so either because they are Jewish partisans or because they're MAGA and the country is white, relatively powerful, and our longtime ally...which of course puts them on the "good" side of the ledger in MAGA world.

Obama and Biden have been trying to distance from Isreal's government, but they still get a ton of military aid from the US. That needs to end: history is history but Israel is currently repressing a population with no realistic end in sight. The Palestinians aren't perfect, but those with the power (Israel, now) are most responsible for finding an acceptable solution. It's sad.

Accrovideogames posted...

You mean something like a second civil war to purge the conservatives again?

Sadly, yesor WW3or real fears of nuclear war, etc. Of course theres no guarantee that we would get as good of a result as the last versions.

LonelyStoner posted...

How in the hell did you spin this towards "The common people aren't revolting enough."?

I dont think you understood what I said. If youd like the Cliff notes version, Western societies are doomed to advanced decadence (selfishness/lethargy/fragmentation) unless we find a reason to want to remain parts of large countries/work through differences. A serious threat would be the usual motivation. Each of these steps we complain about each news cycle are just taking us there.

Jen0125 posted...

Why don't we get to vote on federal Supreme Court judges the way we do local?

That would be great, in theory, but 95% of the people voting on local judges don't know what they're doing. At best they're picking incumbent vs non-incumbent. At worst they're picking the funniest names.

And at the federal level in particular if we elected them with campaigns/etc they would go 100% partisan instantly and we would have MTGs in there. As bad as it's getting at least the good faith Presidents are adhering somewhat to the true legal purposes of the institution (along with the partisan considerations). Open elections in a partisan society increasingly forget their purpose altogether.

In the big picture it's not a political system problem: it's a community/us problem. If we want to be partisan we can tear apart any democratic government trying to pull us together. If we want to be a unified country we'll solve problems. The long and short of it is that all of this stuff is going to get worse unless a unifying event occurs. And such a unifying event would probably have to be a BAD event.

Accrovideogames posted...

I always wash things that may have been touched by other people before I put my mouth on them. Canned drinks that are bought in bulk inside a cardboard box don't pose any risk and that's pretty much the only type I buy. Free standing fruits like apples, however, can be ripe with germs. I wash them with hand soap.

I'm no expert, but I would guess that eating residue from hand soap is worse for you than scrubbing produce with water alone (or maybe not at all).

I find that you either have to wipe down everything you touch or just go with it unless you come across something obviously dirty. If you wipe everything you might get a couple fewer colds, but you might also weaken your immune system and develop more allergies.

I say let your immune system do it's thing.

BADoglick posted...

My specific hatred for the Beatles is mostly based on the fact that people act so appalled that I dislike them, while acknowledging that most of their early work is inane drivel. Like 'they're the greatest band of all time, just ignore the first third of their discography'. Imo the later stuff isn't that much less inane. Hey Jude is like three minutes of nananas and people love it for some reason.

I get that - I was mostly saying people don't usually get to "hate" for something like the Beatles without reacting to over the top fans...which sounds like what happened for you. For my part I can put up with inane lyrics if they come with catchy tunes, so the early stuff (and Jude/etc) work better for me than some...but I can see getting turned off by those. But their later/more modern rock has some good variety IMO.

Lennon-haters have an excuse also.

ParanoidObsessive posted...

this is why I've reached the point of disliking both Chrono Trigger

I don't hate Chrono Trigger, but I do get tired of other people liking it more than I do...if I were the sort to react to that I might flip. As is I think it's an alright, kinda cute, steady old-school RPG...but not anything that's deeply engaging.

Muscles posted...

Early Beatles kinda sucked, but I'm not sure how you can hate on Sgt. Peppers or their other late albums

That's kind of my point: they have such a varied body of work over the years it would be hard to find something you couldn't tolerate, if not like.

I dunno: Shrek isn't my favorite movie but I miss the days when movies could just be simple comedies without worrying about which side of the partisan divide they were on. You could say that's 'lowest common denominator'...but I think the 'common' has significant value. There were some clever jokes in with the fart jokes, and Eddie Murphy was at his best there. Are a couple 2000-era references that big of a problem?

The Beatles...I can see not loving them, but I can't really seeing hating them...unless you enjoy hating popular things as you said.

Barfing is usually against the rules. I have a friend who tried eating a giant pizza and the employee watching to make sure he didn't cheat gave him a slow, bemused head shake when he threw up with a couple pieces to go.

Hint for pizza: don't get pepperoni or sausage or anything greasy. Maybe chicken.

It's complicated and the answer is both to a degree, but it seems a lot of times interests are born when the right person has the right experience at the right time. (And they might have become quite interested in something else if exposed to something else at the same time)

For something like horror in particular I would guess that there's a bit more predisposition involved, but still - if you have a fun experience with friends who know how to enjoy it - predisposition against can be overcome.

I ask myself things like this somewhat often as I ponder how to get interested in new things.

No, he was the rather awkward pretty boy host. Maybe he's developed easy charm in the past decade plus since I've paid attention to him, but I rather doubt it. If they think he is more likely to appeal with the young crowd I think they've got the wrong guy.

AltOmega2 posted...

I know it's quite unAmerican of me but I don't even particularly like steak. It has to be really well-prepared for me to even think it's good, I simply lack the ability to enjoy a decent steak.

Just to ask, have you ever had tenderloin/filet? My wife didn't think she liked steak until trying that...then realized what the fuss is about.

We're having it for dinner tonight, actually. If you cook it yourself (with taters and beans) it's about the same price as taking the family to McDonald's, which is insane.